Horns are prohibited: one of the world's largest cities will impose fines of 65 euros on anyone who dares to use a horn.
03/11/2026 11:30
Updated to
03/11/2026 11:30
China has several of the world’s largest cities such as Shanghai and Beijing. There’s also Shenzhen, where BYD is headquartered, with a population of over 17 million. Urban traffic has become a real problem for both citizens and authorities, who have decided to put an end to the use of horns. The ban will take effect on November 1 and will apply 24 hours a day.
Chinese drivers use their horns for everything. Their use is so widespread and common that even the increasingly advanced driving assistants activate them on their own. Starting from November 1, cars that use horns will face administrative penalties. Some manufacturers have already begun modifying their vehicles so that the assistants do not sound the horn.
Silence in the Entire City for Five Years
The rule was issued by Shenzhen’s Ecology and Environment Bureau and Traffic Police, with the aim of reducing traffic noise. Starting November 1, it is forbidden to use horns on all roads in the city at any time, and this measure will remain in effect until November 1, 2031.
This does not mean horns will disappear completely. According to the official explanation accompanying the rule, it is still allowed to use horns when approaching tight curves or grade changes with poor visibility, when overtaking, and in cases of imminent danger, while emergency vehicles may use them during duty hours.
Those who honk their horns in prohibited areas will have to pay 300 yuan (39 euros), though the fine rises to 500 yuan (65 euros) for each subsequent violation within the same year. To enforce this rule, the city will use cameras equipped with sonar that can locate the car that honked within an 80-meter radius and read its license plate.
The problem of cars honking on their own
The problem for drivers is that many of the latest-generation cars sold in China have the annoying habit of honking on their own. Their driver assistance systems come standard with a horn that sounds when the car ahead suddenly changes lanes or crosses the lane line. The worst part is that this function cannot be disabled. Many voices in the industry are calling for calm. They believe that with such a clear regulation in place, manufacturers will act quickly and remove this automatic alert through remote updates.
Xiaomi Takes the Lead with Update 1.18
Xiaomi’s software version 1.18 is now reaching the SU7 and YU7, and one of its new features seems tailor-made for this situation. It adds a setting to adjust the volume of external voice alerts, which are used to warn pedestrians and other drivers without using the horn, and these are available in all versions of the first-generation SU7. Meanwhile, Xiaomi has taken the opportunity to improve its driving assistance system. According to the update notes, it now accelerates, brakes, and changes lanes more smoothly.
The regulation set to take effect soon in Shenzhen is not far from what already applies on our roads. The General Traffic Regulations allow the use of the horn only to avoid a potential accident, to signal in rural areas that we intend to overtake, and in certain emergency situations, and prohibit its use “without reason or excessively.” In Spain, the fine for improper use of the horn is 80 euros (a minor offense) with no points deducted from the driver’s license. The main difference lies in enforcement, as cameras equipped with sonar will issue the fines there.